Awful... Couldn't even finish it and it is only a hundred or so pages... ( )

I really enjoyed the first half of this novella, but the second, dominated by the annoying Dr. Tamkin, was harder to like. Tamkin is not only profoundly distasteful himself, but he manages to make the already pathetic protagonist Wilhelm even more unappealing. Still, Bellow is able to create a kind of relentless downward spiral that is admirable in its effect. ( )

Here's what I learned from this book: do not trust shysters named Tamkin. Also, it sucks to be a former movie-wanna-be whose looks have faded. ( )

A day in the life of a man who is a failure as a son, husband and employee and more than a bit unpleasant and self centred . Well written, short and managed to keep me reading.
Not bad considering ( )

Wow. Little books (127 pages in my edition from the 50s) can certainly pack some punch and this is one of the hardest hitting. It’s not an uplifting read by any means but, having read it, I’m surprised it was removed from the 2008 revised edition of the 1001 list.

It centres around a man named Wilhelm and a day in his life. I use the word “centres” purposefully. It’s more of...

More of what?! Head over to Arukiyomi and read the rest of the review... ( )